IPSL: Segovia - Study Abroad + Service Learning in Spain

Re-Think Study Abroad through this unique Summer program opportunity! Cultural Immersion through volunteering. The city of Segovia and its Aqueduct are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Within the environment of the old city, there are buildings that commemorate the cultures of Segovia, including Sefardic Jews, Moors, Catholics, and Romans. Segovia has a rich tradition of North African history and culture and offers many opportunities to engage in Moorish-Spanish diversity, which is reflected in the architecture, art, music, language and culture of this beautiful, university city. 

The IPSL Summer Segovia program is a great opportunity for people interested in sustainable tourism, art, architecture, or Spanish language and culture. It is also rich with North African culture, art and architecture and a perfect location to study Arabic language and culture and explore Moorish history. In Segovia, IPSL participants live amidst a 2000 year-old Roman aqueduct, a castle, a 14th-century cathedral and more in this walkable, friendly Spanish city.

An extended academic excursion to Marrakech and Essaouira, Morocco exposes students first-hand to North African culture and the Arabic language.

Like anywhere, there is also unmet need within the community, and IPSL students perform volunteer service by teaching English to underserved children, helping unemployed learn marketable skills, rescuing animals, assisting in an international studies office, or helping recent North African immigrants acclimate to life in Spain. Gaining valuable, international work experience by helping others and greatly improving one’s Spanish and/or Arabic proficiency are some of the rewards.

CURRICULUM FOCUS: Spanish language; Arabic language and culture; Spanish history, culture and civilization; Contemporary European social issues including economics; art history and architecture; sustainable tourism; IPSL Service-Learning™ Reflections seminar.

LOCAL UNIVERSITY PARTNER: Instituto Lope de Vega

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: Spanish & English
CREDITS: Maximum 18 per semester
HOUSING: Homestay with a Spanish family

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES: Working with disadvantaged children, the unemployed and immigrant populations; working with animals at the Humane Society; volunteering in an international education office; teaching English; supporting Arabic speaking North African immigrants.

ACADEMIC EXCURSIONS may include: Cultural trip to Madrid (Prado and Reina Sofía museums); Salamanca and Ávila; Pedraza; a 3-day trip to Andalucía, 4 day trip to Morocco, and an authentic Spanish cooking class.